The Gospel Coalition - ON 2015 Regional Conference

WORKSHOP  * SPACE IS LIMITED * CHOOSE ONE. You will need workshop number (W#) or presenter name to register.  For information on presenters, visit TGC Ontario website.

W1. Minho Song: The Pyung Yang Revival of 1907 and its Impact on Korean Christianity

The Korean church witnessed one of the fastest growths in church history.  Much of her growth goes back to the great Revival of 1907.  The difference in the church before and after the Revival is remarkable.  In fact, the Korean church has never been the same since the Revival.  We need to find out why this Revival was so unique and powerful.  At the center of this Revival was an elder named Sun-ju Kil.  Let us examine, in particular, his dedication and prayer that led to the Revival. 
 

W2. Ian Clary: Pastor-Historian: Arnold Dallimore, Biographer of Revival.

 Arnold Dallimore is often known for his important two-volume biography of the transatlantic revivalist George Whitefield, but he saw his first calling as a pastor. His friendships with Martyn Lloyd-Jones and Iain Murray in the UK, which eventually birthed his famous written works, made him a name on both sides of the Atlantic. In this talk we consider Dallimore's life and ministry, and pay special attention to his writings on revival. 

W3. Dwayne Cline: Revival’s Responsibility - Isaiah 58

God’s work in our heart will align our purposes and passion with His. God’s heart of justice and compassion for the marginalized and oppressed necessitates our care and concern for them as well. We will examine how revival and responsibility are intricately linked and consider gospel-centred approaches to ‘social justice’ in a variety of settings.

W4. Paul Carter: Revitalization and Renewal in Smaller Communities 

Many of the principles of revival and renewal are universal in their application, but some are not.  There are some unique opportunities and challenges associated with church ministry in smaller communities where nearly half of Canadians live. This workshop intends to discuss some of the variables and strategies uniquely associated with renewal and revitalization ministry in a smaller context.

W5. Peter Mahaffey: The Gospel and Porn

 One of the greatest threats to the well-being of young people today, is pornography. The statistics on their exposure to this evil is alarming.  Strength to Fight exists to battle this invasion, to raise awareness and equip people of all ages to fight back. In this workshop we will consider what is actually going on in our culture and address two questions. How can we protect ourselves our homes and churches? Is the gospel really enough to win this fight?

W6. Tim Kerr: "Praying for the Holy Spirit" Lessons from the Life of Christ on Seeking the Holy Spirit's Power and Ministry 

How does the Holy Spirit operate in a Christian’s life? When we look at the life of Christ we are given clues to how Christ lived totally dependent on the Spirit's power for his life and ministry. He also taught us specifically about the connection between prayer and the Spirit-filled life.  Learn how Christ functioned as a Spirit-Filled man, and learn that we too are called to live Spirit-filled lives. Then learn from John 14:12-14 that Christ ascended to the right hand of God to give us His Spirit and that this gift is received and experienced through faith-filled prayer (John 14:13-14).

W7. Paul Martin: Praying, Preaching and Cooperation: The Three Keys of True Revival

A close look at the history of true revival proves there are almost always three elements that precede it. The saints uniting together in earnest prayer, the pulpits becoming even more Word-centred and the churches of many denominations reaching outside of their "tribe" to know and work with those of like faith. Has this begun in Canada? Can we expect God to work in unique and powerful ways in the years to come?

W8. Dan MacDonald: Revival and Church Planting

In the providence of God, his Spirit’s works of renewal and revival to the church have almost always included not only a recovery of the centrality of the gospel, but also of the centrality of the mission of Jesus to proclaim the gospel to the lost. New works, new missions, and new churches are started as part of the refreshing, reviving  wind of God’s Spirit.  This seminar will discuss the role of new works of mission, particularly the planting of new churches, as both symptom and catalyst of revival and renewal of the church. It will help you think more biblically, pray more wisely, and participate more strategically, in the advancement of Christ’s kingdom through renewal of the mission of Jesus to a broken world

W9. Justin Galotti: Church Revitalization: Days of Difficulty, Days of Reward, and the Day to Day Work of Renewing a Local Church 

In many old neighbourhoods in Toronto, you are likely to see old steepled structures that have been transformed from the meeting place of Christians into high-end condominiums. These renovated buildings, more than just boasting beautiful craftsmanship and million dollar price tags, also speak to us of congregations that once existed. These declining churches exist all around us. In cities across Canada, there is a need to spread the gospel both through church planting and church revitalization. In this workshop we will discuss the unique struggles and joys that are part of faithful shepherding in a church renewal context.

W10. James Seward: Preaching, Revival and the Holy Spirit 

True revival is a work of the Holy Spirit. So what role does preaching play? We often hear a truth vs. Spirit dichotomy, usually tied to John 4:23-24. What does this mean for preaching? In this interactive workshop, we will explore the tight biblical relationship between the Holy Spirit and proper preaching of the Word. Drawing on the work of Peter Adams and John Woodhouse, we will see that faithful exposition of Scripture is a normative part of the Spirit’s activity. For the preacher or teacher who longs for revival, there are few better uses of his time than to labor at boldly and accurately preaching the Word. To that end, the tone of this workshop will be both instructive and exhortative.

W11. John Bell: Straight and Narrow? Clarity on Homosexuality, the Church and the Christian

The divine commands against homosexual practice do not occur in a vacuum. In order for Christians to understand the biblical rationale behind God's opposition to homosexual practice, the church must also understand a number of complimentary biblical teachings. This breakout session will look at doctrines such as biblical marriage and divorce, creation, biblical gender roles, the sin of idolatry, biblical church discipline, as well as Romans 1, the longest treatment of homsexuality in the New Testament. Without understanding these teachings, we will be merely religious reactionaries...or we will compromise to cultural trends.

W 12.  Linda Baartse: The Revived Heart and the Care for the Marginalized

How should a Christian serve those in her community that need help? Is the local church able to do anything? Is helping people who do not self-identify as Christian wrong or a waste of time? What difference does the Gospel make in messy lives that are full the complications that come from sinful choices? Is it possible to keep the Gospel in the picture when you are doing social good?

 W13.  Kirk Wellum & David Barker  Theological Education and the Health of the Church

The church of Jesus Christ is built on an apostolic foundation, and consequently, Christianity as defined and expounded by the apostles is critical to the health of Christians and churches. We believe that theological education is essential for a proper understanding and application of apostolic teaching if Christians are to meet the challenges of living for Christ in the 21st century. Theological education that is true to the purpose of the Lord Jesus helps Christians understand their past, present, and future, enabling them to articulate the key doctrines of the faith, and preparing them to faithfully pass on to the present and future generations what has been entrusted to them. Theological education is therefore, not optional, but essential for the health and vitality of the church.

 CONFERENCE PROGRAM  - For information on plenary speakers visit the TGC Ontario website

 Friday, October 16, 2015

7:30 –8:30     Registration

8:30 - 09:15  Welcome, Announcements, Worship

9:15 – 10:30  Plenary 1: Don Carson

10:30 -11:00  Break 

11:00– 12:15  Plenary 2: John Neufeld

12:15 – 1:30  Lunch Break/Fellowship

1:30 – 2:30    Workshops 

2:30 – 3:15    Break

3:15 – 4:30    Plenary 3: Mark Clark

4:30 – 6:30    Dinner Break/Fellowship

6:30 – 7:30    Casting a Vision for Impacting our Nation with the Gospel (Open Session)

7:30 – 8:00    Worship (Open Session)

8:00 – 9:00    Plenary 4: Don Carson (Open Session)

9:00 – 10:00  Bookstore and Exhibits Open

 Saturday, October 17, 2015

 8:00 – 8:45     Registration

 8:45 – 09:15   Worship

 9:15 – 10:30   Plenary 5: Robbie Symons

10:30 –11:00   Break

11:00– 12:00   Plenary 6: John Neufeld

12:00 - 12:15  Closing Remarks

 12:15 – 1:00   Bookstore and Exhibits Open            

Email contact for any information is [email protected]

Accomodation

A limited number of rooms are being held until Monday September 14, 2015 at the Hampton Inn and Suites, 52 Bodrington Court, Markham, Ontario, L6G 0A9 at a special conference rate. The hotel is approximately 7 minutes by car from Young Nak church.

Hotel Contact Information:

 1-844-752-5600 or 1-800-Hilton

Guests must mention they are attending the TGC Ontario conference

Click Here to go to the Hotel Booking for TGC Ontario 2015

The Gospel Coalition Ontario

The Ontario Gospel Coalition is a chapter of The Gospel Coalition (TGC), which began in the United States in 2005 as a renewal movement.  TGC grew from a concern that evangelicalism was being watered down by social and political fads, and churches were growing distracted by secondary issues.  Since then, God has used TGC to promote gospel-centered ministry to the next generation in North America and to the global church, despite undercurrents of cultural relativism and biblical illiteracy. 

TGC Ontario is led by an executive nominated from among 40 partner churches.  In addition to holding annual conferences in Ontario, the leadership plans to engage like-minded leaders across our nation to discuss a national vision casting strategy.

For more information on TGC Ontario, our executive leadership and partner churches visit our web site.